Protect your new hardware.
Apple hasannounced new additions to its product lines: the Apple Watch Series 8, AirPods Pro, and perhaps most importantly, iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 is redefining “go big, or go home,” with its Plus model sporting a massive 6.7-inch screen. The new set of devices also feature the new faster sensors, bigger cameras that dramatically improve performance in low light; a new action mode to better capture dynamic video; and a crash protection feature than can alert local medical responders and contacts if you're in an accident. Fantastic upgrades aside, you'll need to pre-order the iPhone 14, and with every new iteration of Apple products comes the opportunity to accessorize. Here are some of the best new iPhone 14 accessories available.
— Best Overall: Apple iPhone 14 Clear Case with MagSafe
— Most Sustainable: Pela iPhone 14 Case with MagSafe Module
— Best Design: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2
— Best Budget: Spigen Liquid Crystal iPhone Case
— Best Drop Protection: Nomad Rugged Case
— Best Leather: Mujjo Leather Wallet Case
Best iPhone 14 Cases
Best Overall: Apple iPhone 14 Clear Case with MagSafe
Why It Made the Cut: Apple’s cases blend gorgeous form with some of the best function for a case as reliable as its phones.
Specs:
— Materials: Clear polycarbonate
— Colors/Designs: Black, purple, blue, white, product red
Pros:
— Compatible with all MagSafe accessories
— Scratch-resistant coating
— Won’t yellow over time
Cons:
— Collects fingerprints easily
Nobody understands what makes a good phone case quite like the company that makes the iPhone 14. The Apple iPhone 14 Clear Case with MagSafe is not just great, it’s the best overall iPhone 14 case.
It has all the features a good case has, without being bogged down with unnecessary extras. It’s light, easy to grip, and protects your phone from scratches and drops. The case fits perfectly over the phone, so you can access the buttons easily. The inside and outside of the case have a scratch-resistant coating, so you can ensure the case will last as long as your iPhone 14 does. Materials and coatings are also optimized to prevent yellowing, so your phone will look and feel new, even after intense use. The case even has built-in magnets to make syncing up to MagSafe chargers easier than ever before. Sleek as it is, you will occasionally have to wipe it down, as it collects dust and fingerprints fairly easily.
Most Sustainable: Pela iPhone 14 Case with MagSafe Module
Why it Made the Cut: Pela cases are durable and sustainable, to help protect your phone and the environment.
Specs:
— Materials: Bioplastic, Flax straw
— Color/Designs: Blue Underwater, Sage Green, Black Boreal, and more
Pros:
— Compostable
— Smooth and flexible
— Incredibly durable
Cons:
— On the pricier end
Pela prides itself on creating climate-neutral products that you actually want to buy, and its new iPhone 14 case certainly qualifies.
Pela cases simply feel good. Go on and bend it, fold it, or let it take a few spills. It can take it. Pela puts its cases through the wringer to ensure that the cases provide the best iPhone protection. The case is designed to hug your phone around the edges where it's vulnerable but still allow for easy access to charging ports, power, and volume buttons. Aside from the fantastic protection, you can sleep a little easier knowing that these cases are built with seriously sustainable standards. They’re made out of Flaxtic, a composite material of compostable bioplastic and flax straw, which is free of phthalates, BPA, and cadmium. Plus, Pela cases are manufactured in a facility with a lower carbon footprint than a traditional plastic plant. When it comes time to upgrade your phone, rest assured that the case is 100 percent compostable. These cases run a little on the pricier side, but their eco-friendly bonafides are undeniable. They’re even MagSafe compatible.
Best Design: Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2
Why It Made the Cut: Intuitive protection and forward-thinking design that protects your phone and your money.
Specs:
— Materials: Saffiano textured wallet, textured grip border
— Colors/Designs: Black Tie Affair, Flirty Floral, Spaced Out, Groovy Baby
Pros:
— Integrated wallet with kickstand
— Excellent shock absorption
— Non-slip grip
Cons:
— Not MagSafe compatible
Standalone wallets belong in the 20th century with CRT TVs and VCRs, especially when cases like the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 exist.
The back of this iPhone case contains a slim but surprisingly roomy wallet that holds up to three standard credit cards and even some petty cash. Unlike other integrated phone wallets, you’ll be able to slip your cards in and out easily, so there’s no fumbling around with your phone when your turn comes in the checkout line. The case even has a kickstand…sort of. There’s a small divot near the edge where you can slip a credit card into, which props your phone up. Genius. Aside from a stellar wallet, this case also features great protection, with air pockets around the corners for extra shock absorption. The only obvious downside for the Wallet Slayer is the fact that it doesn’t accommodate wireless charging. It may be a fair trade, considering it’s also fairly affordable, and available in four awesome designs, no less.
Best Budget: Spigen Liquid Crystal iPhone Case
Why It Made the Cut: A simple, durable, and affordable case that showcases your fancy new phone.
Specs:
— Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane
— Colors/Designs: Crystal clear
Pros:
— Long-lasting clarity
— Air-cushion drop protection
— Affordable
Cons:
— Muted aesthetics
Sometimes, the most simple option is also one of the best, like the Spigen Liquid Crystal iPhone case. It’s made of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is far more durable than the low-grade plastic cheap cases are made from. Air-cushion drop protection keeps your new and expensive phone from scratching or breaking, especially around the screen and camera. No matter where you take your phone or what you typically do with it, you can expect some seriously good protection in the event that it takes a spill or two. It’s well within any budget too, even if it’s not as fancy or flashy as other cases in its class. Whether this is a tick in the pro or con column is up to you. If you’re looking for a case that lets your new phone pop, Spigen Liquid Crystal iPhone case does just that.
Best Drop Protection: Nomad Rugged Case
Why It Made the Cut: Nomad Rugged Case packs durability you can rely on.
Specs:
— Materials: Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Microfiber
— Colors/Designs: Black, Ash Green
Pros:
— Excellent drop protection
— Lightweight
— Compatible with wireless charging
Cons:
— Difficult buttons
At the end of the day, iPhone cases exist to do one thing: protect these fragile and expensive devices in the event that you slip on a banana peel or other equally slippery objects. Nomad Rugged Case packs some of the best drop protection for the money.
Go on, drop a phone from up to 15 feet off the ground. Phones protected with Nomad Rugged Case can take it. A durable polycarbonate frame with fortified bumpers absorbs shock to protect your flashy new phone. Don’t let the “rugged” branding worry you. The back of the case is matte PET, which feels smooth to the touch but is more than easy to grip in your hands. All this protection and the case still manages to be fairly lightweight, especially when compared to other “durable” offerings. The protection may be a little too good, considering how annoying it is to use the buttons on your phone when it’s inside the case. Buttons are far less clicky than before, which may be a deal breaker for some.
Best Leather: Mujjo Leather Wallet Case
Why It Made the Cut: Like all great leather products, this Mujjo case only improves with age.
Specs:
— Materials: Leather, microfiber
— Color/Designs: Tan, black, Monaco Blue
Pros:
— Slim, lightweight build
— MagSafe compatible
— Eco leather with a gorgeous finish
Cons:
— Expensive
Often, when you opt for a gorgeous case, you can expect to make at least a few compromises. The Mujjo Leather Wallet Case packs plenty of function to go with its gorgeous form.
Perhaps most importantly, this case won’t peel or degrade like Apple’s MagSafe cases, even if you put them through the wringer. In fact, this case only gets better the more you use it, and even develops a natural patina like any great luxury good. Expect the color to improve as well. The leather is even manufactured with the latest environmentally friendly standards. You can also rest easy knowing that the inside of the case is lined in Japanese microfiber which pads your iPhone and protects it with a satin finish. This case isn’t all looks either. It’s fully MagSafe-compatible, has enhanced protection with raised bezels, and even has machine metal buttons for extra clickiness and responsiveness. It runs a little pricier than standard cases, but expect it to turn at least a few heads.
Best iPhone 14 Chargers
Best Overall: Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter
Why It Made the Cut: The classic power adapter we’ve all known and loved, with double the charging power.
Specs:
— Connectivity: USB-C
— Wattage: 35 watts
— Colors: White
Pros:
— Two USB-C ports
— Made by Apple, for Apple products
— Strong charging capabilities
Cons:
— Expensive
— Charging cable sold separately
Apple knows their own products best, and it’s easy to be enticed by cheaper alternatives, but at the end of the day you’ll know what you’re getting when you go with Apple’s 35W Dual Power Adapter. The charger they’ve sold from the beginning has been powered up with two USB-C charging ports, perfect for plugging in your iPhone and Apple Watch, or your iPad and MacBook. Although this adapter is on the pricier end, it’s an accessory you won’t likely be purchasing too often.
With two designs (with the two ports side by side, or stacked on top of each other), Apple keeps its look sleek and compact. With the foldable prongs, packing or traveling with the dual power adapter is easy, so you can take it with you on the road and to the office, or keep it on your desktop or bedside table for quick plug-ins when you need them. For the full experience, their USB-C to-Lightning cable will be necessary to get any actual charging done. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best Budget: Qntry Dual Port USB Wall Charger (4-Pack)
Why It Made the Cut: For a low price, you get a four-pack of these surprisingly handy chargers from Qntry, which can each charge two of your devices.
Specs:
— Connectivity: USB, lightning
— Wattage: 10.5 watts (per plug)
— Colors: Blue, green, purple, red, white
Pros:
— Low price
— Four ports for simultaneous charging
— Lightning cables included
— Smart chip protects against overheating
Cons:
— Not the highest charging capabilities on the market
When your charger breaks, is misplaced, or if you’re tired of carrying it with you all over the house, the Qntry Dual Port 4-Pack is a great just-in-case to have on hand. For less than a quarter of the cost of one Apple Dual USB-C Port (and with the cables included), this four-pack is the best budget option out there right now. With up to 2.4 amps of power, it’ll charge your gadgets up quickly; Qntry claims that their plug can save you roughly an hour of charge time compared to other brands.
The Qntry chargers incorporate safety features as well, such as flame-retardant materials and a smart chip to protect your devices from short circuiting, overheating, and overvoltage, while it also detects the power capacity of plugged-in devices. The included Lightning cables are a nice addition, as many companies (like Apple) don’t provide them with their chargers. The cables each measure six feet long, giving you the ability to move around or plug into hard-to-reach outlets. Made of durable materials that can withstand multiple movements and bends, the tangle-free Lightning cables and the compact plug make an ideal combo for traveling, or storing in a drawer for when you might need a quick charge. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best MagSafe: ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger
Why It Made the Cut: The ESR HaloLock is an affordable MagSafe charger that doubles as a stand.
Specs:
— Connectivity: Wireless, MagSafe
— Wattage: 7.5 watts
— Colors: Black, pink, blue, white
Pros:
— Wireless and MagSafe charging
— Doubles as a stand, even when not charging
— Affordable price
Cons:
— Adapter not included
— Bulkier than Apple’s MagSafe charger
One of the biggest benefits of a MagSafe charger is the ability to use your phone without a Lightning cable sticking out — not to mention getting to ditch the wires for quick and easy power. With an innovative, compact design that won an iF Design award, the ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger also functions as a stand for your phone, so you can watch your shows, FaceTime with friends, or surf the web while you charge up. When unplugging the removable USB-C cable, you can operate the stand without the need for a power source nearby.
With 7.5 watts and heat management, ESR says you can charge your iPhone 13 from zero to 100 percent in about two-and-a-half hours. Although it’s not incredibly fast when compared to other MagSafe chargers, its five-foot cable makes this all the more bearable, as you can move around while texting or playing games while powering up your phone. Unfortunately the power adapter isn’t included, and the actual charging speed you end up with will depend on the wattage of your plug. Still, at the sub-$30 price, it’s a great deal. And for just a little more cash, you can add ESR’s 20W Power Adapter to your cart.
Best Bundle: Anker Nano 3 and Bio-Based Cable Bundle
Why It Made the Cut: Charge every Lightning cable-compatible accessory and device with this tiny, powerful charger bundle.
Specs:
— Connectivity: USB, Lightning
— Wattage: 30 watts
— Colors: Aurora white, lilac purple
Pros:
— Made of bio-based materials
— Compact design
— High wattage makes for fast charging
Cons:
— Only one USB cable input
Anker’s Nano 3 and Bio-Based Cable Bundle is equipped to take on all of your charging needs, from the new iPhone 14, to your iPad, to your AirPods. With 30 watts of power, you can charge your phone up to three times faster than your old three-watt charger, according to Anker. The compact build of the Nano 3 means easier storage and less space on your power sockets will be taken up. With ActiveShield 2.0, you can avoid dangerous overheating when it's plugged in, as it monitors temperature over three million times per day, keeping you and your devices safe.
This charging bundle is a fantastic choice for the sustainably minded buyer. The Bio-Based Cable’s exterior is made up of around 40 percent plant-based materials, cutting out the use of petroleum-based plastics which are harmful to the environment. The Nano 3’s compact design is made of significantly less plastic than other similar products, estimated to be saving about 30.9 grams less plastic, according to Anker. If you already have one part of this bundle, you can also purchase the Nano 3 or Bio-Based Cable separately (and in more fun colors, too). — Mia Huelsbeck
Best Wireless: Belkin BoostCharge Dual Wireless Charging Pads
Why It Made the Cut: Quit fighting over the charger and power up two devices at once with Belkin’s BoostCharge Dual Wireless Charging Pads.
Specs:
— Connectivity: Wireless
— Wattage: 10 watts per pad
— Colors: Black, white
Pros:
— Charge two devices at the same time
— Qi-certified universal compatibility
— Through-case charging
Cons:
— Not compatible with metal cases
— Not compatible with smartwatches
All of our devices need to be charged up regularly, but there’s only so many plugs in the house, and buying multiple plugs and wires can turn into a jumbled mess. With Belkin’s BoostCharge Dual Wireless Charging Pads, you can get the highly efficient power of their original charging pad, times two. With only one plug in your wall, the charging pads allow for fast charging with 10 watts per device, so you can power up your iPhone 14 and AirPods at the same time, and avoid the dreaded low battery alert.
The non-slip grip on the charging pads ensure your devices stay in place, while the LED light confirms they’re charging correctly. There’s no need to remove your phone case (unless it’s made of metal), as the charger is designed to work through up to three millimeters of plastic. With its sleek, minimalist design, and measuring out to only 7.5 inches in length, the Belkin charging pads fit seamlessly on any surface and allow you to enjoy a mess-free, wire-free setup. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best Cable: Smartish 3-in-1 Crown Joule Cable
Why It Made the Cut: The super durable Crown Joule cable sports three plug options in one tangle-free wire.
Specs:
— Connectivity: USB-C, micro-USB, Lightning
— Wattage: Up to 100 watts
— Colors: Blush, beige, gray, teal
Pros:
— Fabric-wrapped cable prevents tangles
— Lifetime warranty
— Reasonable price point
Cons:
— Boasts of fast charging, but this is only as reliable as your charging port
Smartish’s 3-in-1 Crown Joule cable is the perfect answer to, “which plug do I need?” because it has them all. If you’re constantly losing track of your chargers and wires, and which supports your devices, simplify it. This six-foot cable is fabric-wrapped to prevent tangling, increase flexibility, and enhance its overall durability, while also making for a sleeker-looking design. It supports up to 100 watts of power, although the exact charging speed will depend on what kind of charging port you have it plugged into.
The Crown Joule cable comes in several fun colors, so you can match it to your phone. The cable is Apple MFi-certified and is built to work with most devices, as it’s equipped with a USB-C, micro-USB, and a Lightning cable. With Smartish’s lifetime warranty, they’re confident this cable will last as long as your devices (if not longer), and for less than $20, that’s a real value for money. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best iPhone 14 Screen Protectors
Best Overall: Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector
Why It Made the Cut: Apple-endorsed and ready to take on your toughest scrapes and bumps, the Belkin UltraGlass is the best overall screen protector.
Specs:
— Materials: Lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) film
— Anti-Scratch Protection: Yes
Pros:
— Easy application
— Twice as strong and durable as tempered glass
|— Very thin for touch sensitivity
Cons:
— Price is a little high
— Scratch protection not specified
While there are several screen protectors out there that are compatible with your iPhone 14 (with more to come as companies increase their compatibility range), the only brand of protectors you’ll see on Apple’s website is Belkin. Their UltraGlass Screen Protector is top-of-the-line, with German-engineered technology and double the protection compared to most tempered glass models.
UltraGlass is made from LAS, a type of glass ceramic with thermomechanical properties, created to protect your phone’s screen against scratches and impacts, despite its supremely thin design. At less than .3 mm in thickness, you’ll barely notice the extra barrier on your display as the touch sensitivity isn’t affected. Installing the UltraGlass Screen Protector is simple to do with the included easy align tray, cleaning cloth, and dust removal sticker, so you’ll get a precise alignment, bubble-free. The price may seem a little steep, but with Apple’s endorsement, you know you’re getting protection built specifically with your new phone in mind.
Best Budget: Mr. Shield Screen Protector (3-Pack)
Why It Made the Cut: For less than $7, Mr. Shield provides you with three incredibly strong screen protectors and an installation kit.
Specs:
— Materials: Tempered glass, ballistic glass
— Anti-Scratch Protection: N/A
Pros:
— Incredibly low price for three screen protectors
— No interruption to touch responsiveness
— Maintains HD clarity
Cons:
— Drop protection not specified
There’s very few deals out there quite like this one. Mr. Shield’s Screen Protectors come with everything you need to install them on your phone without bubbles, creases, or trapped dust. For a sub-$7 price, you get three screen protectors, alcohol prep pads, a dust collector, cleaning cloth, a bubble remover, and instructions for a seamless application.
Each screen protector is a sturdy 9H level on the Mohs scale, built to fit your phone with laser-cut precision and polished, round edges. These ultra-thin protectors attach to your phone’s screen with bubble-free silicone adhesives, allowing for a reliable fit that won’t slip around or disrupt the quality of your display. With anti-scratch, anti-shatter, and anti-fingerprint features thanks to oleophobic coating, this is the best budget screen protector pack you can get to protect your new iPhone.
Best for Easy Installation: Spigen EZ FIT GLAS.tR Screen Protector
Why It Made the Cut: Aligning your screen protector with your phone can be a pain in the butt, which is why Spigen’s cleverly crafted EZ FIT protector is a lifesaver.
Specs:
— Materials: Tempered glass
— Anti-Scratch Protection: N/A
Pros:
— Seamless fit and installation to your phone’s screen
— True tone clarity
— No interruption to touch responsiveness
— Fingerprint resistance
Cons:
— Only compatible with iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 14
— Doesn’t cover sensors or front-facing camera
— Scratch resistance not specified
Getting your screen protector lined up to your phone’s screen without any overlap, folds, or bubbles was once near impossible, but with Spigen’s EZ FIT GLAS.tR, installation is easy. With its 9H-level hardness and tempered glass build, the EZ Fit is designed for durability (for reference, that’s just a little less hard than a diamond).
Given that the EZ Fit also comes with two screen protector refills, along with cleaning wipes, dust removal stickers, and the EZ Fit tray, the price is pretty reasonable. Simply wipe your screen with the cleaning wipes, line up the tray with your phone, press, slide, and go. In a matter of seconds, your phone is protected without any annoying, misaligned pieces or unattractive bumps and bubbles. For some extra protection for your front-facing cameras, Spigen also offers an Optiks Lens Protector. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best Blue-Light Filter: Otterbox Amplify Blue Light Guard Screen Protector
Why It Made the Cut: Built for durability, safety, and comfort, you’ll get the most out of Otterbox’s Amplify Blue Light Guard.
Specs:
— Materials: Aluminosilicate
— Anti-Scratch Protection: Yes
Pros:
— Antimicrobial technology
— Survives drops up to six feet
— Shields eyes from harmful blue light
Cons:
— Expensive
Protecting our phones is usually the first priority, and for good reason — after forking out tons of money for them, nothing makes your heart beat faster than checking for damage after dropping your phone. The Otterbox Amplify Blue Light Guard Screen Protector makes this worry less present, safeguarding the surface of your phone screen against scratches, scrapes, and up to six feet of drop protection. With an extra layer of durability and fingerprint-resistance, your new phone will continue to look sleek months after your purchase.
But protecting your screen is only one of the many capabilities of the Amplify screen protector. It incorporates antimicrobial properties (something that’s become increasingly important in the last few years), keeping your phone screen cleaner than it would be without it. With blue light protective technology, it also guards your eyes against the harmful blue light that emits from your phone’s screen. Blue light has been linked to several health issues, including sleep difficulties, so although the price is a little steep, this screen protector is a wise investment. — Mia Huelsbeck
Best Glass: ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector
Why It Made the Cut: Keep your phone scratch, smudge, and microbial-free with ZAGG’s InvisibleShield Screen Protector.
Specs:
— Materials: Tempered glass
— Anti-Scratch: Yes
Pros:
— Easy to install
— Antimicrobial technology
— Increased strength and scratch-resistance
Cons:
— Drop protection not specified
Keeping your phone safe with ZAGG’s InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector is easy. Made of tempered glass, this screen protector covers your entire screen (including vulnerable corners and edges) and increases surface tension for a stronger, more durable layer for your phone. If you’re finding yourself cleaning smudges off your phone regularly, this may be reason enough to install the screen protector, as it’s treated with ClearPrint Anti-Fingerprint Technology to keep your screen looking clean without affecting touchscreen sensitivity.
ZAGG states that this screen protector is five times stronger against shattering than traditional glass protectors, so you can be rest assured that your phone won’t get damaged from scratches, chips, and cracks appearing or spreading. With antimicrobial technology, the InvisibleShield’s name is right on, as it’s ready to fight off unwelcome bacteria and microorganisms. Installation is easy, and once on, it’s hard to differentiate the surface texture from that of your actual phone screen. — Mia Huelsbeck
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